Charli Mills has been away a while, putting the Carrot Ranch into a new mobile home, but is back with a new prompt.

June 22, 2016 prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story about home. What is it? How does it impact a character? Explore the idea of home from any spark that creates a story.

This is an odd old time. I’m writing this the day after the world jolted on its axis and we’ve voted to leave the EU. It was a clear vote, more so for England if you take out the Scottish vote.

The spread shows cities voting to stay in and the non metropolitan areas saying they want a different way. England, Britain is my home as much as the building I sit in.

I am stunned but I cannot ignore the fact there are millions who want a change. No one knows how it will pan out but, like a shock within the home – when someone brings you an unpleasant surprise – a death or serious illness, a divorce, an unwanted pregnancy, whatever – you get up, dust yourself off and work out what you can do for the best, to make sure those for whom home is a secure place are supported, helped and included.

Part of me, yesterday, felt like saying ‘Ok, you’ve done this, sort it out’ but that’s the way of the coward, the shallow.

No, up we get, it’s a new day and we will get on with the new paradigm and make the most of it. I’m just not sure how or in what way. Yet.

After all, in my little corner of England, today it is really rather beautiful and whoever is in charge isn’t going to stop my garden growing. And the residents seem to be much the same, irrelevant of the vote..

As for the flash prompt, well how does Mary feel, now everything is changing?

What next?

‘Mum, what does it mean? Are we going to leave?’

‘I don’t know, Penny. I didn’t think it would come to this. We’ll just have to be stay calm. But don’t worry. It is not something you need to worry about.’

‘Mum, you said we’d stay, we’d be alright.’

‘Our landlords changed their minds. We have to leave.’

‘It’s not fair. It’s our home.’

‘No, it isn’t fair, but it’s a chance to do something different. We have each other. And our home is where we are, where are hearts are. That’s what makes us strong. We’ll be fine.’

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About TanGental

My name is Geoff Le Pard. Once I was a lawyer; now I am a writer. I've published four books - Dead Flies and Sherry Trifle, My Father and Other Liars, Salisbury Square and Buster & Moo. In addition I have published three anthologies of short stories and a memoir of my mother. More will appear soon. I will try and continue to blog regularly at geofflepard.com about whatever takes my fancy. I hope it does yours too.
These are my thoughts and no one else is to blame. If you want to nab anything I post, please acknowledge where it came from.

34 Responses to Home sweet home #flashfiction #shortstory

I’m so sorry I missed all this beauty in your garden. I love Mary’s sum up at the end. Being together and having support makes us stronger indeed and home does not need to be a physical space. Hopefully, UK politicians will have a similar approach.

Lovely photos and a calming reflection on the current turbulent state of things. I’m with you – we need to get on with making sure things work out in the best possible way, once the shockwaves have settled.

Beautiful photos, Geoff, and hope it’s been sufficient distraction from the mind-boggling result – but do think of me here in the provinces where, unlike London, there was a very strong Leave vote! Hardly dared leave the house on Friday!
Love the flash, and so agree it’s not fair, and hope that Mary manages to hold it together, although many don’t in those circumstances.

Awesome take! And you have a tortoise… so have I! What a paradise you live in. Yes, it is a chance to create something new. I am sure in the end all will be well. Even if it wasn’t your decision. There is no other way but to move on!

Mary is definitely right, and now everyone needs to stop all the venom and recrimination and we must unite. We have manged worse so we can manage this.
Lovely photos Geoff and your words are like an oasis of calm in an angry tumult! 😉 xxxx

Oh, no…not Mary, too! Actually, I think it’s much harder when children are involved. They worry and the patents worry about providing a secure home for them. As for your post, I love the strength of resolve to stand by your country and help those who need it. It is unsettling that change is so badly wanted that questionable decisions are made. We are facing that in November, here in the states. We will not be cowards. We’ll face what needs facing. And ultimately our children learn from our actions.

Lovely to see your photos of your beautiful garden and gorgeous residents Geoff. We need as much calm as we can get after brexit. I’m still in shock. Nearly everyone I know voted Leave. And some read my blog. But sometimes I can’t keep quiet. Not when my heart is as heavy as it’s been lately, like so many. But enough of all that. I’m heading out of blogland for a while but I hope to try and post flash fiction over at the Ranch here and there. Have a great summer and see you soon, on FB I’m sure. And all the best with your latest novel!